The people of Ogbia kingdom in Bayelsa State believe in miracles. The first miracle for them was the discovery of oil in commerical quantity, the first ever in West Africa at Oloibiri in 1956. Twenty-three years later, another miracle occurred. From the blues, Chief Melford Obiene Okilo, from Emakalakala, defeated all the big names in old Rivers State politics to emerge the first executive governor in 1979. And the biggest miracle came 32 years later. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from Otuoke was elected the 15th President of Nigeria.

Even though the name Goodluck espoused some connection with the divine, never in the wildest imagination did he and his kinsmen think that one day the son of a canoe carver and farmer, who trekked miles from Otuoke to attend St Michael Primary School, Oloibiri, would become the President of the most populous black nation on earth. From those who know him, his story is enough proof that indeed a higher being plays a prominent role in the affairs of men. Right from childhood, all he strove to achieve was not to end up like his parents, who lived from hand to mouth and struggled to feed their children.

Thursday, 26 May 2011

As i wondered why most young Nigerians can't take themselves and what they have as skill seriously, i couldn't help but be grateful that i met this young man who is so good at his art and yet so humble. We at Logos Audibles celebrate this Role model. David Ella. With experience in caricature, newspaper and all sorts of illustrations, he is set to make our dreams come true. This is a masterpiece he did for an-in-the-process children story debuting here. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, what do your think about these illustrations?

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Scientists have started digging under the ground where William Shakespeare's last home stood in Stratford-upon-Avon. They hope their work will help us find out more about how Shakespeare and other people lived 400 years ago.

Rolling back centuries ofspeculation and digging deep into theprivate lifeof Stratford's favourite son. The soil, untouched for 400 years, and it's hoped - the key to understanding more about William Shakespeare's final days. By the time he moved to New Place, Shakespeare was already a household name. But little is known about how he spent the six years he lived here and that's what this latestdig is aiming to change.Kevin Colls, University of Birmingham:"I think we can learn little bits on what he was eating, what he was drinking, so his lifestyle. We can learn a little abouthis hobbiesin terms of what he was doing with his time, but the great mystery has to be where he actually lived. Did he live in the grand house along the front of the street or did he live in thevery secluded cottage as documentary evidence suggests, hidden away from view to get on with his work?"Previous digs all found evidence of Shakespeare'shigh-status household, including smoking pipes and pottery. The first almost 150 years ago, was recorded in extraordinary detail but stopped short atthe foundations.It's hopedexcavating deeper than ever before, will reveal even more about William Shakespeare'shabits andshed new light onwhat inspired some of the most famous words ever written.

There is surely a level of curiosity that the west have, that we do not have or what do you say?

Microsoft has confirmed it will buy the internet phone service Skype. The $8.5 billion deal will connect Microsoft with the 663 million people around the world who use Skype. It is the most money Microsoft has spent to buy another company.

Reporter:
Rory Cellan-Jones

Report

One is the giant business, whose softwarepowers more than 90% of the world's computers. The other is the firm, which hasrevolutionised the way many communicate. Now Skype is being swallowed upby Microsoft.

It's just eight years since Skype started helping people to make callsover the internetfor nothing, and this is the third time it's been bought and sold.

Microsoft has been struggling to prove it can compete withthe likes ofGoogle and Apple. Now as it triesto make an impact onthe mobile-phone world, it wants Skype to help it becomea bigger force.

Skype is now used by 170 million people around the world (each month), not just on their computers, buton the move- on their mobile phones and even on their tablet devices.

Microsoft wantsto tap in tothisconnected community, but it's paying a huge price for a business that isn't even profitable.

We are looking for a candidate that has the following skills and characteristics:

A tertiary qualification in languages or journalism and at least five years' relevant experience in an editorial environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

The ability to make sound and quick decisions

A passion for media and special interest and wide knowledge of current affairs

The ability to work under pressure

Well-developed planning and organisational skills

Passionate about training young writers

The ability to effectively manage people and processes

The ability to work as part of a team

The ability to think laterally and creatively

RequirementsThe candidate should have a minimum of three years' experience in the magazine industry, well developed verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work under pressure. A good working knowledge of MS Word and Indesign. Excellent attention to detail and command of the English language.Via: bizcommunity.comContact Information:For inquiries: Lethiwe.Shezi@media24dev.co.zaFor submissions: Lethiwe.Shezi@media24dev.co.zaWebsite: http://www.media24.com

Deadline: 31 August 2011Give 2 Nigeria (G2N) is pleased to announce the 2011 Responsible Citizen Student Essay Prize, inviting senior secondary school (high school) and undergraduate students to write about the subject of Responsible Citizenship.The Prize aims to:* Deepen understanding and appreciation of the expectations and benefits of responsible citizenship;* Engage students in the debate on the role of citizens in Nigerian society;* Strengthen students’ research, writing, and reasoning skills; and* Develop a culture of giving amongst students.The Prize is open to senior secondary school (high school) and undergraduate students, attending schools in Nigeria or overseas.Eligible students are invited to submit their original work, highlighting the value of responsible citizenship, as well as their personal contributions to a social cause or community issue. The essay should be no longer than 900 words and in English.Each submission should cover the following:1. What are the key responsibilities of Nigerian citizens?2. Describe your role and impact in a social cause or community initiative.Applicants are invited to submit their essays in MS Word or PDF format only, to info@give2nigeria.org with “Essay Submission” as the subject of the mail. All information requested, including name, contact information, educational institution, and essay should be included in a single document. One essay is allowed per applicant. Joint submissions are not eligible for the prize.The submission deadline is August 31, 2011 at 12 a.m. GMT. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2011. All submissions must adhere to contest requirement.The submitted essays are reviewed and judged by a panel selected by Give 2 Nigeria. The panel will evaluate the essays according to the criteria described and select 1st prize winners, one each, from the senior secondary school and undergraduate level, and 2nd prize winners, one each, from the senior secondary school and undergraduate level.All winners will receive an award certificate. In line with our efforts encouraging a culture of giving while supporting local charities, Give 2 Nigeria will make a cash donation of $500 each to two registered charities in Nigeria, selected by each of the first prize winners. In addition, Give 2 Nigeria will make a cash donation of $250 each to two registered charities in Nigeria, selected by each of the second prize winners. The winning essays will be published online at www.give2nigeria.org, and in Give 2 Nigeria’s newsletter.Please promote the Prize by informing people in your network: family, friends, co-workers, business associates, and members of your community and professional association.Terms & ConditionsApplicants may not copy or otherwise plagiarize all or any part of any submission from any source, nor may any submission include third party material.Give 2 Nigeria and the judging panel reserve the right to contact any Applicant for additional information or clarification regarding such Applicant’s submission. It will be such Applicant’s responsibility to respond to these requests in a timely manner. The judging panel reserves the right to disqualify any entry that in its judgment violates the letter or the spirit of the award guidelines, processes and rules, and its decisions are final and binding.Give 2 Nigeria has sole and absolute discretion to determine which submission entries, if any, merit a Prize. Give 2 Nigeria reserves the right, at their sole and absolute discretion, to change, modify, extend or reduce the terms and conditions of, or to suspend or terminate, the competition without prior notice.Give 2 Nigeria reserves the right to use the submission for purposes including advertising and promotional activities, and to use the name and/or likeness of the named individual listed for each submission, and all or part of each submission, throughout the work, in perpetuity, without any compensation, notice or approval, unless specifically prohibited by law.Give 2 Nigeria will endeavor to inform participants of any such change, modification, extension, reduction, suspension or termination, as the case may be, through any media outlet deemed appropriate by Give 2 Nigeria at its sole and absolute discretion.Give 2 Nigeria further reserves the right to nullify and/or cancel any part or all of the competition if it appears that any fraud or malfunctions have occurred in any form whatsoever. Each participant undertakes to indemnify and keep Give 2 Nigeria harmless from and against any loss, damage, claims, costs and expenses which may be incurred by or asserted against Give 2 Nigeria as a result of such participant's participation in the competition.Contact Information:For inquiries: info@give2nigeria.orgFor submissions: info@give2nigeria.orgWebsite: http://www.give2nigeria.org/

Deadline:1 June 2011The role of human activity in accelerating climate change is beyond doubt. The fourth assessment report (4AR) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), confirmed that overwhelming scientific evidence links the impact of human activity to climate change and unless action to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases is taken, the world is on a path to runaway warming.Why is it so important to integrate gender aspects into debates on climate change?Climate change and climate impacts are not gender neutral. Gender equality is a critical component of responses to climate change at all levels ‐ it should be integrated in all aspects of climate change planning and decision making.At first glance, it might seem unintuitive to link climate change and gender issues. However, since societies still largely rely on gendered roles and responsibilities, both sexes do not have the same impact on climate change, and perhaps more importantly, are differently affected by it.Women are disproportionately affectedGender aspects of climate change are a matter of justice, human rights, and human security. Women are the poorest people in the poorest areas. Moreover, several studies indicate that the death rate in natural disasters can be four times higher for women. We have compelling data on how women are more vulnerable to climate change. It is thus important to be committed to gender sensitive approaches. We must adapt the mechanisms in place so that they reduce, or at least do not increase the gender issues.Women empowerment and women's roleWomen are change agents on both household and community levels with regard to natural resource management. Women are long‐time leaders on poverty eradication and sustainability, and gender equality is a key issue in the climate change debate. If we do not implement gender‐sensitive policies to fight climate change, it will have disastrous consequences on the gender balance.On the other hand, if we include and empower women, who are often responsible for agriculture, food and water supply, as well as first education of the next generation, we will do a better job in addressing climate change and its consequences.Mainstreaming the gender perspective is not only a sensible choice for our societies; it is a better, more efficient way to reach our goals.Because this subject is at the very core of our preoccupations as members of the Green Party, we need to have better information and understanding on this subject, and answer these questions:How can we counteract the disproportionate burden of climate change on women? How to empower women so that they become a key partner in reducing climate change?How can gender equality be fully integrated into climate policies?We encourage everyone to send us a paper with ideas and propositions on these issues.TERMS OF PARTICIPATIONBy taking part in the contest, participants agree on the terms of participation.How and when to hand in my paper?All papers have to be sent per e‐mail to Greens.essaycontest@europarl.europa.eu before 1 June 2011, midnight. Papers sent after the deadline will not be accepted.Who can apply?Everyone.Do I have to be a European citizen?No, contributions from around the world are welcome.About languages.Papers can be written in one of the four following languages: English, French, German and Spanish.What kind of paper?Papers should have the written form of an essay.How long should the paper be?Papers should be between 20.000 and 28.000 characters (with spaces) long.How should it be presented?Papers should be typed. No handwritten paper will be accepted.What will happen next?A jury made up of Green Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Green Party, the Federation of Young European Greens, Green Foundations, EGGO (European Green Gender Observatory) and NGOs will select the best essays.Depending on the number of papers submitted, a pre‐jury might do a pre‐selection for the final jury.What is the prize for the winner?First of all, the best three essay writers will be invited to the Green Summer University in Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice (1). This invitation includes transportation costs, hotel room for three nights and meals for the four daysThe best essays will also be published in their original language and English, with a preface from Members of the Parliament and members of the jury. This book will be printed out and distributed during the University (to be confirmed depending on printing delays). The winners will get 10 copies each.An event will be organised for the winners to read their essays to a selected audience, followed by a private dinner with members of the jury.(1) The Summer University is a European event organized by the Greens in the European Parliament. Last time, it brought together almost 1000 people from all walks of life. Greens and non‐Greens, NGO representatives, scientists, managers and trade unionists, intellectuals and artists, students and other young people attended 4 plenary sessions and 46 workshops, 10 cultural events and 10 excursions.Contact Information:For inquiries: greens.essaycontest@europarl.europa.euFor submissions: greens.essaycontest@europarl.europa.eu

The United Nations has chosen 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. To celebrate, the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs is holding a writing contest for young writers aged 13-22.

The contest is open to Nova Scotians of all backgrounds, but entries must express a connection to the culture, heritage, and/or experiences of people of African descent. For example, stories and poems could be set in historical or contemporary African Nova Scotian communities, they could focus on a prominent person of African descent, or they could connect in another way. It’s up to you — be creative!

Who can enter?

Any Canadian citizen or landed immigrant who has lived in Nova Scotia since Oct. 1, 2010, and who is between the ages of 13 and 22 as of the contest closting date – July 15, 2011. The contest is split into two age categories: 13-17 and 18-22.

What do I have to do?

Send us your short story, poem(s) or spoken word lyrics by July 15. Stories can be up to 2,500 words long. You can submit up to five poems or spoken word pieces, to a total maximum length of 1,500 words.

What can I win?

In each age group, we’ll be giving out three prizes:

First place - $500
Second place - $250
Third place - $150

Winners also get to have lunch with Lawrence Hill, author of the acclaimed best seller The Book of Negroes. And they’ll be recognized at an awards ceremony during the African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference, being held September 22-24 in Halifax.

How do I enter?

To enter, download an entry form here and fill it out. You can send your entries by email to ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca, and please use the phrase “IYPAD Creative Writing Contest” in the subject line.

Important formatting rules: Electronic entries must submitted as a Microsoft Word or RTF document, while hard-copy entries must be typed in black ink on plain white paper (8 ½” x 11”). Use a decent-sized, easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman 12-pt. Fiction entries must be double-spaced, while poetry can be single-spaced.

All entries must have a one-inch margin on all sides, with pages numbered in order in the upper right-hand corner. As well, the title of your manuscript must appear on each page, but DO NOT include your name on the actual manuscript – only on your entry form. That way your entry will be anonymous to the judges.

Also, remember that all entries must be signed, including those submitted by email. If you’re under 18 years old, a parent or guardian needs to sign the form too. You can scan and email, send by fax to 902.424.7189 … just make sure you send a signed form.

When is the deadline?

Emailed and hand-delivered entries must arrive by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 15. Mailed entries must be postmarked by July 15. Hard-copy entries will not be returned.

How much does it cost to enter?

We’re glad you asked. The answer is nothing – it’s free!

How does the judging work?

A panel of accomplished Nova Scotian writers, poets and performers will read the entries and select a set of finalists in each age group. These finalists will be sent to our honourary judge, Lawrence Hill, and he’ll choose the winners in each age group. So you could have your work read by one of Canada’s most well-known authors. And you could get to have lunch with him too. (If that sounds kind of intimidating, don’t worry… he’s a really nice guy.)

What important legal details do you need to tell me?

-By entering the contest, you accept that the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) may contact you to request a photo and/or biographical information for use in promotional materials and announcements relating to the contest.

-You also release and forever discharge the Province of Nova Scotia, the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and their officers, employees and representatives, from all liability for any damages, losses or claims arising from participation in the competition or resulting from the conferral, acceptance or use of the award obtained and for the aforementioned disclosures or uses.

Can you summarize in a convenient list of bullet points?

* The contest is open to all Nova Scotians aged 13-22, as of July 15, 2011.
* Entries must express a connection to the culture, heritage and/or experiences of people of African descent.
* Entries may be short stories (up to 2,500 words) or poems or spoken word lyrics (up to 5 pieces, and a maximum of 1,500 words).
* A signed entry form must accompany all entries.
* An entrant’s name must not appear on the manuscript.
* Entries may be emailed to ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca or mailed or hand-delivered to: Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, 5670 Spring Garden Road Suite 604, PO Box 2691, Halifax NS B3J 1H6.
* Contest deadline is 4:30 p.m. on July 15, 2011. Awards will be presented during the African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference, Sept. 22-24, 2011.
* You could win cash. And hang out with Lawrence Hill! What more do you need? Get writing!